Al-anwar Newspaper English news in Australia
Tevita Pangai Jr has made the shock call to pull out of the World Cup.
In an emotional call, Pangai Jr has informed Tongan head coach Kristian Woolf that he has made the decision to put his club Canterbury first over running out for Mate Ma’a Tonga.
Just 10-days after being named in Woolf’s strong extended 32-man squad for the upcoming World Cup, Pangai Jr has been withdrawn.
In the wake of a tough first season with Canterbury, that included a stint in NSW Cup, the powerful and lethal backrower is determined to dedicate his entire summer to the Bulldogs and to ensure he is in peak fitness for an all-important 2023 season.
The decision is clear recognition from Pangai Jr, that instead of being part of something special with Tonga at the World Cup, he’s prepared to put the work in to rediscover his best form.
In what can also be described as incoming Canterbury coach Cameron Ciraldo’s first win, Pangai Jr’s steely focus is a huge plus for Bulldogs fans.
And in a double dose of good news for Dogs fans, it’s understood key forward Raymond Faitala-Mariner has also opted out of making himself available for Samoa.
Faitala-Mariner returned to action this season for the Bulldogs in round 11 following a lengthy stint on the sideline with a leg injury.
He too recognises the need for a strong pre-season in the wake of a largely restricted training program over the last nine months.
But it‘s Pangai Jr’s decision that will surprise.
The six-time Tongan international would have formed a powerful forward pack that includes Cowboys lock Jason Taumalolo, Warriors prop Addin Fonua-Blake, Dolphins-bound Storm second-rower Felise Kaufusi and Sharks veteran Andrew Fifita.
“There’s no ill-feeling at all towards Tevita, that’s not what this Tongan team’s culture is built on,’’ Fifita said.
“He’s made a call that he believes will help his football at Canterbury and his career, so you can’t begrudge anyone of that.
“The great thing about this Tongan squad is how deep our pack runs. We’ve got some serious talent heading to the World Cup.’’
Pangai Jr was signed by Canterbury ahead of last season as a marquee signing through until the end of 2024.
He played 19 games in 2022, but spent three of the final five matches of the season starting from the interchange bench.
The 26-year-old has spoken about his excitement to work under Ciraldo, but also how important his next two seasons are.
“For him (Ciraldo) to be appointed Canterbury coach is a dream come true, honestly,” Pangai Jr said.
“Technically and management-wise of a team, I’ve had some good coaches coach me, like JD (Jason Demetriou) and Wayne (Bennett), but he’s the real deal.
“I know it all doesn’t come down to the coach, I’ve got to do my part too.
“I’ve got to work hard and it obviously it helps that I’ll have a good coach, who I respect.
“But if I do bad and I fail, then that’s on me, not on Ciro. The next two years are so important to me.’’
